基于寡核苷酸链的汞离子荧光生物传感器

基于G-四链体结构和卟啉类化合物N-甲基卟啉二丙酸IX(NMM)结合产生强烈的荧光,利用T-Hg(Ⅱ)-T错配对汞离子(Hg2+)的特异性识别,建立了一种简单、灵敏、高效的Hg2+检测新方法.在富含鸟嘌呤(G)寡核苷酸链中,引入了大量胸腺嘧啶(T).在没有Hg2+存在时,可以自发形成G-四链体结构,与NMM结合产生强烈的荧光;在Hg2+存在时,可与另一条富含T序列的互补链通过T-Hg(Ⅱ)-T特异性结合,形成双链DNA分子,从而导致G-四链体结构不能产生.优化后最佳实验条件为:缓冲溶液的pH=6.7,20 mmol/LKCl,2.5 μmol/L NMM,反应时间为2h.在优化条件下,体系的荧光强度变化值与Hg2+浓度呈现良好的线性关系,线性范围为50～ 1000 nmol/L,检出限为22.8 nmol/L(30).此生物荧光传感器对Hg2+具有良好的选择性.实际水样中Hg2+的加标回收率为106.1％ ～ 107.8％,可以满足实际水样品中Hg2+的检测要求.     

A label-free, quadruplex-based functional molecular beacon (LFG4-MB) for fluorescence turn-on detection of DNA and nuclease

We demonstrate a novel concept for the construction of a label-free, quadruplex-based functional molecular beacon (LFG4-MB) by using G-quadruplex motif as a substitute for Watson-Crick base pairing in the MB stem and a specific G-quadruplex binder, N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) as a reporter. It shows high sensitivity in assays for UDG activity/inhibition and detection of DNA sequence based on the unique fluorescence increase that occurs as a result of the strong interaction between NMM and the folded quadruplex upon removal of uracil by UDG or displacement of block sequence by target DNA. The LFG4-MB is simple in design, fast in operation and could be easily transposed to other biological relevant target analysis by simply changing the recognition portion. The LFG4-MB does not require any chemical modification for DNA, which offers the advantages of simplicity and cost efficiency and obviates the possible interference with the affinity and specificity of the MB as well as the kinetic behavior of the catalysts caused by the bulky fluorescent groups. More importantly, the LFG4-MB offers great extent of freedom to tune the experimental conditions for the general applicability in bioanalysis.     

A signal-on electrogenerated chemiluminescent biosensor for lead ion based on DNAzyme

A highly reproducible and sensitive signal-on electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor based on the DNAzyme for the determination of lead ion was developed. The ECL biosensor was fabricated by covalently coupling 5′-amino-DNAzyme-tagged with ruthenium bis (2,2′-bipyridine) (2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid)-ethylenediamine (Ru1-17E′) onto the surface of graphite electrode modified with 4-aminobenzoic acid, and then a DNA substrate with a ribonucleotide adenosine hybridized with Ru1-17E′ on the electrode. Upon binding of Pb²⁺ to the Ru1-17E′ to form a complex which catalyzed the cleavage of the DNA substrate, the double-stranded DNA was dissociated and thus led to a high ECL signal. The signal linearly increases with the concentration of Pb²⁺ in the range from 5.0 to 80 pM with a detection limit of 1.4 pM and a relative standard derivation of 2.3%. This work demonstrates that using DNAzyme tagged with ruthenium complex as an ECL probe and covalently coupling method for the fabrication of the ECL biosensor with high sensitivity, good stability and significant regeneration ability is promising approach.     

Lead-selective fluorescent optode membrane based on 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-N-(9-anthrylmethyl)benzidine

A new proton-selective fluorescing indicator, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-N-(9-anthrylmethyl)benzidine (TMANB) has been synthesized and applied in an optode membrane for the determination of lead ion that works on the basis of a cation-exchange mechanism. When embedded in a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane containing lead ionophore (tert-butylcalix[4]arene-tetrakis(N,N-dimethylthioacetamide)) and a lipophilic anionic site [potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate], TMANB shows a significant fluorescence signal change on exposure to aqueous HCl solution containing lead ion, which exhibits the theoretically expected fluorescence response to lead ion concentration. The selectivity, response time, reproducibility and reversibility, and lifetime of the optode membrane were discussed.     

基于荧光探针噻唑橙与核酸适体构象变化的钾离子检测

建立了一种基于核酸适体(Aptamer)构象效应和荧光探针噻唑橙(TO)为荧光分子开关进行钾离子检测的光学方法.室温下钾离子可与Aptamer结合形成G-四面体结构,使双链解链变为四面体结构和单链,从而导致TO荧光强度降低.考察了TO浓度、反应温度及反应时间的影响.在最佳实验条件下,钾离子浓度在1.0×10-6 ～2....     

A DNA nanomachine based on rolling circle amplification-bridged two-stage exonuclease III-assisted recycling strategy for label-free multi-amplified biosensing of nucleic acid

An autonomous DNA nanomachine based on rolling circle amplification (RCA)-bridged two-stage exonuclease III (Exo III)-induced recycling amplification (Exo III-RCA-Exo III) was developed for label-free and highly sensitive homogeneous multi-amplified detection of DNA combined with sensitive fluorescence detection technique. According to the configuration, the analysis of DNA is accomplished by recognizing the target to a unlabeled molecular beacon (UMB) that integrates target-binding and signal transducer within one multifunctional design, followed by the target-binding of UMB in duplex DNA removed stepwise by Exo III accompanied by the releasing of target DNA for the successive hybridization and cleavage process and autonomous generation of the primer that initiate RCA process with a rational designed padlock DNA. The RCA products containing thousands of repeated catalytic sequences catalytically hybridize with a hairpin reporter probe that includes a “caged” inactive G-quadruplex sequence (HGP) and were then detected by Exo III-assisted recycling amplification, liberating the active G-quadruplex and generating remarkable ZnPPIX/G-quadruplex fluorescence signals with the help of zinc(II)-protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX). The proposed strategy showed a wide dynamic range over 7 orders of magnitude with a low limit of detection of 0.51 aM. In addition, this designed protocol can discriminate mismatched DNA from perfectly matched target DNA, and holds a great potential for early diagnosis in gene-related diseases.     

Label Free Determination of Potassium Ions Using Crystal Violet and Thrombin-Binding Aptamer

A label-free method for sensitive determination of potassium ions was developed. The most commonly studied thrombin-binding aptamer was used as the molecular probe and crystal violet was chosen as a fluorescence signal reporter. The fluorescence of crystal violet was significantly enhanced when the crystal violet solution was mixed with the single-stranded thrombin-binding aptamer. However, in the presence of potassium ions, due to the formation of potassium induced G-quadruplex structures, the fluorescence decreased. Potassium ions were determined using the change in fluorescence. The conformational transformation was investigated by circular dichroism, and interferences caused by sodium ions were studied. This label-free method offers a simple procedure that induces minimum effects on the G-quadruplex formation. Under the optimized conditions, the method exhibited a linear range from 30–420 µM for potassium ions with a detection limit of 6 µM.     

A novel ratiometric fluorescent aptasensor accurately detects patulin contamination in fruits and fruits products

Patulin (PAT) contamination in fruit and fruit products is a significant public health concern. Here, we developed a ratiometric fluorescent aptasensor for PAT detection based on aptamer-recognition and Exonuclease III amplification. Two structure selective dyes, SYBR Green I (SGI) and N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM), were used as fluorescent probes. In the developed biosensing system, the binding of PAT to aptamer triggered the liberation of cDNA. Subsequently, amplification was mediated by Exonuclease III. S1 was released from the S1-S2 duplex by enzymatic hydrolyzation and incorporated into a stable G-quadruplex. As a result, the fluorescence of SGI decreased, whereas that of NMM increased. There was a strong linear correlation between the relative fluorescence intensity and PAT concentrations (20 to 500 ng·L^?1 range) (R² = 0.99). The biosensing system was highly sensitive, and could detect PAT concentration as low as 4.7 ng·L^?1. The sensor was also highly specific, and could differentiate PAT from several other related mycotoxins. In summary, we developed a new bioassay for the accurate detection of PAT contamination in fruits and fruit products. This research provides a new approach for developing ratiometric bioassays based on structure-selective dyes and enzymatic conversion processes.     

基于芬顿反应和硫磺素T构建免标记荧光传感器用于葡萄糖的检测

基于芬顿反应和硫磺素T(ThT)构建新奇的免标记荧光传感器用于葡萄糖的检测。当无葡萄糖存在时,ThT诱导富G-DNA探针形成G-四链体/ThT复合物,ThT的荧光强度显著增强;当葡萄糖存在时,葡萄糖氧化酶催化葡萄糖产生H2 O2,在Fe^2+催化的芬顿反应作用下,H2 O2转化为羟基自由基(·OH),·OH引发DNA的氧化损伤导致富G-DNA探针裂解为短寡核苷酸片段而丧失形成G-四链体/ThT的能力,ThT的荧光强度显著降低,从而实现对葡萄糖的检测。在优化的检测条件下,G-四链体/ThT荧光强度变化和葡萄糖浓度在0.5~45μmol/L的范围内呈现较好的线性关系(R^2=0.99268),检出限为0.1μmol/L。利用本法对葡萄糖加标的血液样品进行分析,葡萄糖的回收率为90.7%~118.3%,相对标准偏差为1.7%~5.8%,方法可用于血糖检测。     

Simple and sensitive fluorescence sensor for detection of potassium ion in the presence of high concentration of sodium ion using berberine–G-quadruplex complex as sensing element

In this work, a novel potassium ion (K⁺) sensor is presented using berberine–G-quadruplex complex as a fluorescent probe. This sensor is based on the K⁺that can induce the G-rich DNA to form G-quadruplex conformation. The G-quadruplex can bind berberine to form berberine–G-quadruplex complex, resulting in remarkable enhancement of fluorescence emission of the berberine–G-quadruplex system. In the presence of 800 mM sodium ion (Na⁺), the fluorescence of the berberine–G-quadruplex complex increased linearly with increasing K⁺ concentration in the range of 0.005–1.0 mM. The turn-on fluorescent assay is simple, inexpensive, and highly sensitive. We observed that Na⁺ in 10,000-fold molar excess does not interfere. The molecular mechanisms which produce enhanced fluorescence of berberine were discussed.     

A novel aptasensor strategy for protein detection based on G-quadruplex and exonuclease III-aided recycling amplification

The detection of biomarkers is of great significance in the diagnosis of numerous diseases,especially cancer.Herein,we developed a sensitive and universal fluorescent aptasensor strategy based on magnetic beads,DNA G-quadruplex,and exonuclease Ⅲ(Exo Ⅲ).In the presence of a target protein,a label-free single strand DNA(ssDNA)hybridized with the aptamer was released as a trigger DNA due to specific recognition between the aptamer and target.Subsequently,ssDNA initiates the ExoⅢ-aided recycling to amplify the fluorescence signal,which was caused by N-methylmesoporphyrin IX(NMM)insertion into the G-quadruplex structure.This proposed strategy combines the excellent specificity between the aptamer and target,high sensitivity of the fluorescence signal by G-quadruplex and ExoⅢ-aided recycling amplification.We selected(50-1200 nmol/L)MUC1,a common tumor biomarker,as the proof-of-concept target to test the specificity of our aptasenso r.Results reveal that the sensor sensitively and selectively detected the target protein with limits of detection(LODs)of 3.68 and 12.83 nmol/L in buffer solution and 10%serum system,respectively.The strategy can be easily applied to other targets by simply substituting corresponding aptamers and has great potential in the diagnosis and monitoring of several diseases.     

Fluorescent amplifying recognition for DNA G-quadruplex folding with a cationic conjugated polymer: a platform for homogeneous potassium detection

Single-stranded DNA with G-rich sequences can fold into secondary structures, G-quadruplexes, via intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. This conformational change can be detected by a homogeneous assay method based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from a water-soluble cationic conjugated polymer (CCP) to a fluorescein chromophore labeled at the terminus of the G-quadruplex DNA. The space charge density around the DNA controls the efficiency of FRET from the CCP to the fluorescein. The higher FRET efficiency for the CCP/G-quadruplex pair is correlated to the stronger electrostatic interactions between the more condensed G-quadruplex and the CCP in comparison to the CCP/ssDNA pair. Since the potassium ion can specifically bind to the G-quadruplex DNA, the G-quartet-DNA/CCPs assembly can also be used as a platform to sense the potassium ion in water with high selectivity and sensitivity.     

Identifying G-quadruplex-binding ligands using DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles

The G-rich overhang of human telomere tends to form a G-quadruplex structure, and G-quadruplex formation can effectively inhibit telomerase activity in most cancer cells. Therefore, it is important to identify the formation and properties of the G-quadruplex, with the particular aim of selecting G-quadruplex-binding ligands that could potentially lead to the development of anticancer therapeutic agents. With this goal in mind, we report a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay system for the identification of G-quadruplex ligands using DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (DNA-GNPs) as the fluorescence quencher and a carboxyfluorescein (FAM)-tagged human telomeric sequence (F-GDNA) as the recognition probe. A thiolated complementary strand of human telomeric DNA (cDNA), which first adheres to the surface of the GNPs and then hybridizes with F-GDNA, results in the fluorescence quenching of F-GDNA by the GNPs. However, fluorescence is restored when single-stranded F-GDNA folds into a G-quadruplex structure upon the binding of quadruplex ligands, leading to the release of F-GDNA from the surface of the GNPs. Combined data from fluorescence measurements and CD spectroscopy indicated that ligands selected by this FRET method could induce GDNA to form a G-quadruplex. Therefore, this FRET G-quadruplex assay is a simple and effective approach to identify quadruplex-binding ligands, and, as such, it promises to provide a solid foundation for the development of novel anticancer therapeutic agents.     

Label-free and enzyme-free sensitive fluorescent detection of human immunodeficiency virus deoxyribonucleic acid based on hybridization chain reaction

A label-free and enzyme-free sensitive fluorescent detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) based on isothermal hybridization chain reaction (HCR) was developed. A G-quadruplex sequence which was incorporated into one of the two hairpin probes was inactive in the absence of target DNA. However, at the presence of target DNA numerous G-quadruplexes along DNA nanowires were self-assembled through HCR. Using N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) as the fluorophore, a “turn-on” fluorescent response would be achieved and detected as low as 0.5 nmol L⁻¹ of HIV DNA. This proposed method was applied to detect HIV DNA in biologic samples with satisfactory results.     

HPLC determination of ferrochelatase activity in human liver

A method utilizing HPLC to estimate ferrochelatase activity in human liver cells is presented. A partially purified homogenate of liver cells is incubated with mesoporphyrin IX and cobalt(II)ion. The ferrochelatase in the homogenate incorporates the cobalt(II)ion into the mesoporphyrin. After a fixed time (90 min) the porphyrins are extracted into an ethyl acetate-acetic acid mixture. The porphyrins are then separated using reversed phase HPLC with a mobile phase of methanol-acetonitrile-phosphate buffer pH 3.0 (200:60:30 v/v). The enzyme activity is estimated by measuring the rate of utilization of mesoporphyrin. The optimum pH and substrate concentration for the reaction have been determined.     

Electrocatalytic assay of mercury(II) ions using a bifunctional oligonucleotide signal probe

Engineered nucleic acid probes containing recognition and signaling functions find growing interest in biosensor design. In this paper, we developed a novel electrochemical biosensor for sensitive and selective detecting of Hg²⁺ based on a bifunctional oligonucleotide signal probe combining a mercury-specific sequence and a G-quadruplex (G4) sequence. For constructing the electrochemical Hg²⁺ biosensor, a thiolated, mercury-specific oligonucleotide capture probe was first immobilized on gold electrode surface. In the presence of Hg²⁺, a bifunctional oligonucleotide signal probe was hybridized with the immobilized capture probe through thymine–mercury(II)–thymine interaction-mediated surface hybridization. The further interaction between G4 sequence of the signal probe and hemin generated a G4–hemin complex, which catalyzed the electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide, producing amplified readout signals for Hg²⁺ interaction events. This electrochemical Hg²⁺ biosensor was highly sensitive and selective to Hg²⁺ in the concentration of 1.0 nM to 1 μM with a detection limit of 0.5 nM. The new design of bifunctional oligonucleotide signal probes also provides a potential alternative for developing simple and effective electrochemical biosensors capable of detecting other metal ions specific to natural or artificial bases.     

Ultrasensitive optical DNA biosensor based on surface immobilization of molecular beacon by a bridge structure.

A novel biotinylated molecular beacon (MB) probe was developed to prepare a DNA biosensor using a bridge structure. MB was biotinylated at the quencher side of the stem and linked on a biotinylated glass cover slip through streptavidin, which acted as a bridge between MB and glass matrix. An efficient fluorescence microscope system was constructed to detect the fluorescence change caused by the conformation change of MB in the presence of complementary DNA target. The proposed biosensor was used to directly detect, in real-time, the target DNA molecules. The bridge immobilization method caused the proposed DNA biosensor to have a faster and more stable response. Under the optimal conditions, the newly developed DNA biosensor showed a linear response toward ssDNA in the range of 5-100 nM with a detection limit of 2 nM. It was interesting to note that the described biosensor was reproducible after being regenerated by urea.     

Highly effective colorimetric and visual detection of nucleic acids using an asymmetrically split peroxidase DNAzyme

G-quadruplex containing peroxidase DNAzyme is a complex of hemin and a single-stranded guanine-rich DNA (hemin-binding DNA aptamer), which is used as an attractive catalytic label for biosensing recently. Therein, the hemin-binding DNA aptamer contains four GGG repeats and can fold into a G-quadruplex structure. In this paper, we have developed a new split mode to divide the hemin-binding DNA aptamer into two parts: one possesses three GGG repeats, and another part possesses one GGG repeat, namely, the 3:1 split mode. The combination of G-quadruplex and hemin binding could be used as a sensitive probe for the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms by giving a color signal, visible to the naked eye at room temperature. The G-quadruplex containing peroxidase DNAzyme utilizes the 3:1 split mode and can be directly used for the identification of SNPs with a detection limit in the nM range when the matching length of the probe is short enough. When the matching length of the probe is relatively long, another method adding competition sequences to the probe could also operate effectively for the identification of SNPs. The results also suggested that we could detect the signal when the mutation sample was only 5% in the total target DNA with a competition strategy.     

Self-locked aptamer probe mediated cascade amplification strategy for highly sensitive and selective detection of protein and small molecule

In this work, a novel self-locked aptamer probe mediated cascade amplification strategy has been constructed for highly sensitive and specific detection of protein. First, the self-locked aptamer probe was designed with three functions: one was specific molecular recognition attributed to the aptamer sequence, the second was signal transduction owing to the transduction sequence, and the third was self-locking through the hybridization of the transduction sequence and part of the aptamer sequence. Then, the aptamer sequence specific recognized the target and folded into a three-way helix junction, leading to the release of the transduction sequence. Next, the 3’-end of this three-way junction acted as primer to trigger the strand displacement amplification (SDA), yielding a large amount of primers. Finally, the primers initiated the dual-exponential rolling circle amplification (DE-RCA) and generated numerous G-quadruples sequences. By inserting the fluorescent dye N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM), enhanced fluorescence signal was achieved. In this strategy, the self-locked aptamer probe was more stable to reduce the interference signals generated by the uncontrollable folding in unbounded state. Through the cascade amplification of SDA and DE-RCA, the sensitivity was further improved with a detection limit of 3.8 × 10⁻¹⁶ mol/L for protein detection. Furthermore, by changing the aptamer sequence of the probe, sensitive and selective detection of adenosine has been also achieved, suggesting that the proposed strategy has good versatility and can be widely used in sensitive and selective detection of biomolecules.